Vaccines for Daycare and Boarding

Any place where many dogs share space, play and breathe the same air is a place where germs can travel. That includes daycares, boarding kennels, groomers, training classes and busy dog parks. Vaccines are the simplest way to keep your dog, and every other dog in the group, safer.

Core vaccines: what every dog needs

“Core” vaccines are the ones veterinary guidelines recommend for all dogs, whatever their lifestyle. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA, 2024 guidelines) lists three as core for dogs everywhere:

• Canine distemper virus
• Canine adenovirus (protects against infectious canine hepatitis)
• Canine parvovirus

These usually come together in one shot, often called “DA2P” or “DAPP” when parainfluenza is included.

Rabies is also core wherever the disease exists, which includes BC. Here, bats are the only known animals that carry rabies. The BC Centre for Disease Control says about 8% of bats sent for testing in BC are positive, because bats that end up in contact with people or pets are more likely to be sick. The BCCDC says pets “should be vaccinated, and their immunizations should be kept up to date.” If your dog has any contact with a bat, call your vet.

Leptospirosis has moved toward “core” in recent years. WSAVA calls it core in regions where it is endemic and suitable vaccines are available. The American Animal Hospital Association updated its guidelines in 2024 to recommend it for all dogs. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife, often picked up from puddles and standing water in shared outdoor areas. It can cause kidney and liver failure, and it can spread to people. BC’s Animal Health Centre tracks canine cases in the province. Wet, rainy weather and urban wildlife make it worth discussing with your vet if you live in Metro Vancouver.

Non-core vaccines: based on lifestyle

Non-core vaccines are recommended for some dogs depending on where they live and what they do.

Bordetella and parainfluenza (kennel cough). “Kennel cough” is a catch-all term for contagious respiratory infections. Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium) and canine parainfluenza virus are two of the common causes. Colorado State University’s veterinary hospital recommends the Bordetella vaccine for dogs that spend time around other dogs of unknown vaccine status, such as at boarding, daycare, grooming, dog shows and dog parks. Parainfluenza is often given in the combination core shot.

The vaccine reduces illness but does not guarantee a dog will not catch or carry anything. Kennel cough is usually mild, but it can be more serious in puppies, seniors and dogs with other health problems.

Canine influenza. Dog flu (H3N2) has caused outbreaks in the U.S. and was found in Ontario in late 2017 and 2018, linked to imported dogs. We were not able to find any official reports of canine influenza cases in BC. Colorado State University recommends the flu vaccine for dogs that attend shows or spend time around dogs of unknown health or vaccine status. Ask your vet whether it makes sense for your dog.

Lyme disease. Usually recommended based on tick exposure. Ask your vet whether it applies to where you walk, hike or travel.

What The Urban Puppy Shop asks for

Our terms require proof that your dog’s bordetella, parvo, distemper and parainfluenza vaccinations are current. Requirements can change, and we may have other conditions for specific services, so please check with us directly for exact requirements before booking, and talk to your vet about whether your dog should also have rabies, leptospirosis or other vaccines.

Timing before a first visit

Puppies. Puppies get a series of core vaccines every 2 to 4 weeks, with the last dose at 16 weeks of age or older (AAHA’s guidance; some vets prefer going to 18 to 20 weeks). That is because antibodies from the mother can block vaccines in young puppies, so earlier doses do not always “take”. A booster follows within a year, and after that core boosters are typically every three years. Ask your vet when your puppy is considered fully protected, and ask us what age and vaccine stage we need for puppies to join.

Bordetella. Oral and intranasal (nose drop) versions need just one dose, then an annual booster. The injectable version needs two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart at the start. In one company-funded trial, oral and intranasal vaccines protected puppies from coughing when they were exposed seven days after vaccination. As a practical rule, aim to have Bordetella done at least a week before a first daycare day or boarding stay. For the injectable version, allow more time.

Leptospirosis. Two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart to start, then yearly boosters.

Adult dogs with gaps. If your dog’s history is unknown or boosters are overdue, your vet can restart or catch up. AAHA’s guidance is that licensed vaccines are safe and effective enough that dogs with an incomplete history can simply be vaccinated.

Several shots at once? Getting several vaccines in one visit is common. For small dogs (under about 10 kg), AAHA notes that spreading vaccines over separate visits can lower the chance of a reaction. If you split them, plan extra time before a booking.

Keeping records up to date

A little organization saves last-minute stress:

• Ask your vet clinic for a printed or emailed vaccine certificate showing your dog’s name, each vaccine, the date given and the date it expires.
• Keep a photo of it on your phone.
• Put the next due dates in your calendar, with a reminder a few weeks ahead. Bordetella and leptospirosis are usually yearly; core shots and rabies may be every one or three years, depending on the product.
• When your dog gets a booster, send the updated record to your daycare, groomer and boarding kennel.
• Planning a holiday? Check that nothing will expire during the stay.

A few reminders

Mild soreness or tiredness for a day after vaccines is common. Facial swelling, hives, vomiting or trouble breathing need a vet right away.

Even vaccinated dogs can catch kennel cough. If your dog is coughing, sneezing or seems unwell, please keep them home and call your vet. It protects the rest of the group.

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian about your own dog.